Subaru Impreza, XV Crosstrek earn top crash-test score

The 2014 Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback and their high-riding cousin the XV Crosstrek have been awarded the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The Impreza and XV Crosstrek made the grade earning a Good rating in the Institute’s newest challenge, known as the small-overlap frontal crash test, as well as all the IIHS’s other crash scenarios. These vehicles were modified for the 2014 model year to enhance their performance in this tough test.

Inaugurated in 2012, the small-overlap test simulates what would happen if the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle, tree, or utility pole.

To rise to the ranks of Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle has to do well in at least four of the Institute’s five crash scenarios and at least acceptably in the fifth. The Impreza and Crosstrek had already earned Good scores in all the Institute’s other evaluations: front, side, and rear crash test, and roof crush test.

Other Subarus securing top honors are the Legacy sedan, Forester SUV, and Outback wagon.

A Poor showing in the small-overlap test, which is the lowest of the IIHS’s four scoring categories, recently prompted Consumer Reports to withdraw its Recommended rating from the Toyota Camry, RAV4, and Prius V, and Audi A4. Those models could regain their recommendations if they are retested in the small-overlap test and achieve better scores.